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How Can Chest Discomfort, Breathlessness And Pain In The Cervical Spine Be Managed?
Question: In March 2018, having some chest discomfort, I had some blood work done in the emergency room. No heart attack or blockage was found, but the D Dimer was very high. A CT scan with and without contrast was done. No pulmonary embolism found, but the report (which I did not receive until yesterday) showed a mildly enlarged heart.
An EKG done by my family doctor last month showed possible right ventricular hypertrophy.
I have some mild shortness of breath. But I can still do some moderate exercise. Occasionally I feel a tinge of pain in my cervical spine, synchronous with palpitation.
I have an appointment with my cardiologist in 10 days. Can I wait for that appointment, or do I have an urgent problem.?
Thanks.
An EKG done by my family doctor last month showed possible right ventricular hypertrophy.
I have some mild shortness of breath. But I can still do some moderate exercise. Occasionally I feel a tinge of pain in my cervical spine, synchronous with palpitation.
I have an appointment with my cardiologist in 10 days. Can I wait for that appointment, or do I have an urgent problem.?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Doesn't appear to be an emergency
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You may be visit cardiologist on appointment date.
So regarding the possibility of heart enlargement, it may not be accurate, but we need to confirm by doing echo. So echo will clarify the picture. Also, considering the possibility of RVH on ecg, again ecg may not be always correct in diagnosing hypertrophy. But, considering the both the findings, right ventricular hypertrophy is a possibility. Now, RVH can occur due to pulmonary hypertension may be due to chronic embolism, or other pulmonary causes, but this should have been picked up on ct scan. So this dilemma will be clear after echo. The possibility of intrinsic cardiac disease appears to be less. If you are having frequent palpitations, then there is a possibility of paroxysmal a fib and you should undergo Holter monitoring for it. This is important because if present, you need to be on blood thinners.
So overall, it doesn't appear to be an emergency, but needs elective evaluation.
Its better, if you can upload your CT scan and ecg report. Have you undergone, ultrasound of lower limb for dvt ?
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Doesn't appear to be an emergency
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You may be visit cardiologist on appointment date.
So regarding the possibility of heart enlargement, it may not be accurate, but we need to confirm by doing echo. So echo will clarify the picture. Also, considering the possibility of RVH on ecg, again ecg may not be always correct in diagnosing hypertrophy. But, considering the both the findings, right ventricular hypertrophy is a possibility. Now, RVH can occur due to pulmonary hypertension may be due to chronic embolism, or other pulmonary causes, but this should have been picked up on ct scan. So this dilemma will be clear after echo. The possibility of intrinsic cardiac disease appears to be less. If you are having frequent palpitations, then there is a possibility of paroxysmal a fib and you should undergo Holter monitoring for it. This is important because if present, you need to be on blood thinners.
So overall, it doesn't appear to be an emergency, but needs elective evaluation.
Its better, if you can upload your CT scan and ecg report. Have you undergone, ultrasound of lower limb for dvt ?
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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